Superfood of the Week: Parmesan Cheese

I know what you're thinking -- Parmesan cheese, and all its tangy, melty goodness can't possibly be a superfood, right? Well, you are wrong. Furthermore, did you know that Parmesan tops the cheese charts as the highest source of...

I know what you're thinking -- Parmesan cheese, and all its tangy, melty goodness can't possibly be a superfood, right? Well, you are wrong. Furthermore, did you know that Parmesan tops the cheese charts as the highest source of calcium?!? [Ed. note: I didn't.] An ounce of Parm (roughly the size of your thumb) delivers a solid dose of protein and a whopping 40 percent of your daily value of bone-building calcium. Whole dairy also contains linoleic acid, which may rev your metabolism. And if you're lactose intolerant, Parmesan cheese has a very low lactose content. Try this sharp cheese in a few of my favorite recipes.

Kale Salad with Dates and Parmesan: This salad is packed to the brim with superfoods, from the crunchy almonds and indulgent Parmesan to nutrient-dense kale. It’s a real winner because it’s a salad that will actually keep you full! Quick tip: Intensify the flavors and save time on dinner prep by dressing the kale a day ahead of time.

Skinny Chicken Parm with Spinach: Chicken Parm doesn’t have to mean fried chicken loaded with massive amounts of cheese! Instead, amp up this comforting classic with some veggie power and bake rather than fry the chicken to keep it easy on the waistline! The parmesan keeps all the yummy comforting flavors in check and the added spinach means you’ll get a healthy dose of veggies without even thinking about it!

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: You won’t feel guilty about these cheesy super spuds from Food Network‘s Ellie Krieger. These beauties taste like they’re loaded with butter and cream thanks to the Yukon gold potatoes, skim milk and low-fat buttermilk. Healthy has never tasted this good! Stir in some Greek yogurt for an extra sneaky protein boost. Get the recipe here.

Four Cheese Pasta with Cauliflower: When you hear the words mac and cheese, you might think “for special occasions only.” Luckily, this delicious lightened-up version doesn’t sabotage your diet or sacrifice any flavor! The whole-wheat pasta and cauliflower add hunger-curbing fiber to a dish that would normally be lacking in the nutrition department.